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 FAITH
is inward conviction, trust, complete confidence. When the
scriptures say, "With the heart man believeth unto
righteousness;" -- and we know "heart" refers to
the center of thought, emotions, and will -- we may rightly
conclude that FAITH involves the intellect. Philip called upon
the eunuch to believe "with all thine heart" (Rom.
10:10; Acts 8:37)
What
hypocrisy is this that allows one to "believe" (?) in
God and His ways with one side of the heart, but to hold
"mental reservations" or some "academic
convictions" with the other side of the heart?
Returning
praise for praise, the editor of ACTION says, "____ ____ is
another of our brilliant young gospel preachers with degrees. He
has his "academic convictions" but stands foursquare
with the great Shaw Street church in _______ where men of God
guide it on to higher ground." His "academic
convictions" are here contrasted with ("but") the
church. Now if that church is true to God's Word, we have a
dangerous contrast indeed.
In
the same issue, the editor says a solution has been reached to
some church division back east; and tells his part in the action
thusly: " __________ and I spent almost all night in my
room at the DuPont Hotel with the brilliant young preacher who
had much to do with this division. We were unable to restrain
his academic convictions.
Each
of us may have similar convictions which conflict with present
procedures but all the improvements which might be made, the
church as we know it is generally on
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mighty solid ground and care should be
taken of intellectuals who may introduce too drastic changes.
There must always be thinking ahead but there is also a danger
in running too fast."
In
both of these cases "academic conviction" seems to be
something different from the "old paths" -- something
to be held in check until there is a more opportune time.
Current practices of "our denomination" seem to be the
norm, against which "drastic changes" must not be
introduced -- but this is for policy, not for conviction's sake.
These "men of God" go right on with their
"academic convictions" which differ from their current
practices. And this is the voice which cries for greater
faith in God, and more of the spirit of Christ, and more
personal dedication to the Lord!
We
have experienced the conflict of "academic conviction"
and faith in God's word -- but we never entertained the thought
that they could continue to live side by side. We are thankful
to God that the difference could be resolved, and faith in God
could take the place of the doubts raised while under the spell
of university professors. We appreciate the need for
understanding, and a willingness to assist; but make no mistake
about it; when "academic convictions" differ with
God's revealed will, faith has suffered. Conversely, if
one has come to know a truth of God not known or practiced by
his brethren, it needs to be placed in the open so others may
profit thereby.
Let
us reconsider 1 Cor. 1:18-f.!!
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